Lakshya Sen signs off with runner-up finish at All England Open 2026

Indian badminton ace Lakshya Sen showcased tremendous skill and grit this week at the All England Open 2026 , but the elusive men’s singles crown remained just out of reach. In a tense final against Lin Chun-Yi of Chinese Taipei, Sen fought valiantly but succumbed 15–21, 20–22 to his left-handed rival, marking his fifth consecutive loss to Lin and his second runner-up finish at the prestigious tournament.

The 24-year-old Indian began the final with determination, countering Lin’s early aggression. Despite falling behind 2–6 in the opening exchanges, Sen rallied impressively to lead 10–5, thrilling fans with his resilience. However, Lin regained control to seal the first game 21–15.

The second game saw Sen return with renewed energy, even leading 10–5 at one point. The match grew increasingly tense as both players exchanged points, culminating in a heart-stopping finish. Sen saved a match point, pushing the score to 20–20, but Lin finally clinched the game 22–20 to lift the All England trophy.

Sen’s journey to the final was equally inspiring. Battling blisters and cramps in his semifinal, he overcame several higher-ranked opponents to secure his spot in the final. His campaign underlined not just his talent, but his grit and determination to challenge the world’s best.

History also reminds us of the challenge India faces at the All England. Only Prakash Padukone (1980) and P. Gopichand (2001) have lifted the men’s singles title. Sen, despite falling short again, carried forward the legacy with a display of courage and flair that resonated with fans worldwide.

While the title slipped through his fingers, Sen’s spirited performances throughout the tournament left little doubt: India’s search for another All England men’s singles champion continues, and Lakshya Sen remains firmly in that conversation.